Sewer Backups: Why They Happen & How to Handle Them Fast

A sewer backup is one of the worst plumbing emergencies a homeowner can face. When sewage starts coming up through your drains, it can lead to:

• Extensive property damage
  
• Severe health risks due to bacteria and contaminants
  
• Foul odors that linger for days
  
• Expensive repair bills
  

Knowing why sewer backups happen, how to prevent them, and what to do if one occurs can save you from a plumbing disaster. In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Top reasons sewer backups occur
✅ Warning signs of an impending sewer issue
✅ What to do immediately when a sewer backup happens
✅ How to prevent sewer backups in the future
✅ When to call an emergency plumber
Let’s dive in!

Why Do Sewer Backups Happen?
Sewer backups happen when wastewater can’t properly drain from your home’s plumbing system. Instead of flowing out through the main sewer line, it backs up into your sinks, bathtubs, and basement drains.
Here are the most common causes:
1. Clogged Sewer Lines
Just like clogged sink drains, sewer lines can become blocked, preventing waste from flowing out. Common causes of sewer line clogs include:

• Flushing non-flushable items (baby wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products)
• Grease buildup from pouring cooking oil down the drain
• Hair and soap scum accumulation in pipes

2. Tree Root Intrusion
Tree roots are naturally drawn to moisture. If they find a small crack in your sewer pipe, they’ll grow inside the pipe, causing blockages and even breaking the pipe.
3. Heavy Rain & Flooding
During heavy rainstorms, municipal sewer systems can become overloaded, forcing sewage to back up into homes. If your home doesn’t have a backwater valve, you’re more vulnerable to this problem.
4. Broken or Collapsed Sewer Pipes
Older homes often have sewer lines made of clay or cast iron, which can deteriorate over time. A collapsed or cracked pipe prevents wastewater from flowing out, leading to backups.
5. Municipal Sewer Line Issues
Sometimes, the issue isn’t in your home—it’s in the city’s sewer system. A blockage or failure in the public sewer line can cause backups in multiple homes at once.

Warning Signs of a Sewer Backup
Sewer backups don’t always happen suddenly. Often, there are early warning signs that indicate your system is struggling.
🚩 Multiple drains are slow at the same time
🚩 Gurgling sounds from toilets or drains
🚩 Foul sewage smells coming from drains
🚩 Water backing up into tubs or sinks when using other fixtures
🚩 Standing water in your basement near floor drains
If you notice any of these signs, don’t ignore them--act fast to prevent a full-blown backup.

What to Do When a Sewer Backup Happens
If sewage is backing up into your home, follow these steps immediately:
1. Stop Using Water & Shut Off Plumbing Fixtures
Any water you use—flushing a toilet, running a sink, using the dishwasher--adds to the backup. Stop using all plumbing fixtures immediately.
2. Check Other Drains
If one drain is backing up, check others. If multiple drains are affected, it’s likely a main sewer line issue.
3. Avoid Contact with Sewage
Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and toxic gases. Do not touch raw sewage without protective gear. Keep children and pets away from the affected area.
4. Turn Off Electricity in Affected Areas
If water or sewage is near electrical outlets, shut off power to that part of the home to prevent electrical hazards.
5. Call an Emergency Plumber
A sewer backup is a serious plumbing emergency. You need a professional plumber who can:
✅ Locate the cause of the backup
✅ Clear blockages using high-pressure hydro jetting
✅ Repair or replace damaged sewer pipes
✅ Install a backwater valve to prevent future backups
6. Contact Your Insurance Company
Many homeowner’s insurance policies cover sewer backups, so report the issue right away.

How to Prevent Sewer Backups
Sewer backups can be expensive and messy, but the good news is that most are preventable. Follow these tips to reduce the risk of a backup in your home:
1. Never Flush Non-Flushable Items
🚫No baby wipes (even "flushable" ones)
🚫 No paper towels or tissues
🚫 No cooking grease down the sink
🚫 No feminine hygiene products
2. Schedule Regular Sewer Line Inspections
A professional plumber can use a sewer camera to inspect your pipes for tree roots, cracks, or blockages before they cause a backup.
3. Install a Backwater Valve
A backwater valve prevents sewage from flowing back into your home during heavy rains or municipal sewer failures.
4. Be Careful with Landscaping
Avoid planting trees near sewer lines. Tree roots are a major cause of pipe damage and blockages.
5. Have Your Sewer Line Professionally Cleaned
Scheduling routine sewer line cleaning can prevent buildup and blockages before they lead to a full backup.

When to Call an Emergency Plumber
If you notice sewage backups, slow drains, or gurgling toilets, call a plumber right away. Delaying repairs can result in:

• Property damage
• Health hazards from sewage exposure
• Costly restoration work

📞 Need emergency plumbing service in New Jersey? Call NJ Emergency Plumber today for fast, 24/7 sewer backup assistance!
📞 973-604-3856
🌐 NJ Emergency Plumber